A type of contraceptive vaginal ring produced by Merck & Co., NuvaRing received its United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval on October 3, 2001.Being made of flexible plastic shaped into a ring, shape, it releases low doses of progestin and estrogen over a period of three weeks into the users body, once it is inserted.

NuvaRing works in the woman’s vagina for three weeks into its insertion in a month. On the fourth week the ring is taken out and the woman experiences her menstrual period. One may ask is it safe to have contact during the three week period? The answer to that is yes. The manufacturer states that patients who are using it may partake of sexual contact during the three week period. According to Merck, most partners will not feel the ring during sex. However, there is a small chance that the ring will come out. In this event simply wash the ring with water and reinsert.

However, like all medications NuvaRing does have its side effects, among them breast tenderness or enlargement, change in appetite, changes in weight, dizziness, headache, mild hair loss, nausea, nervousness, stomach cramps or bloating, vaginal spotting or breakthrough bleeding.

It is also advised that if a patient is suffering from any of these side effects a doctor be consulted as soon as possible to avoid any of the following harm to befall the patient: severe allergic reactions; absent menstrual period; breast discharge; breast lumps; calfor leg pain, swelling, or tenderness; change in the amount of urine produced; chest pain or heaviness; confusion; coughing of blood; dark urine; fainting; mental or mood changes; migraines; numbness of an arm or leg; one-sided weakness; pale stools; persistent, severe, or recurring headache or dizziness; persistent vaginal spotting; severe pain or tenderness in the stomach.

One of the most dangerous side effects of NuvaRing use is the possibility of blood clots, and strokes. The problem lies in the hormones in it that have can possibly change your blood clotting system, which may allow your blood to clot more easily. If a blood clot forms in your legs, it can travel to the lungs and cause a sudden blockage of a vesselcarrying blood to the lungs. Rarely, clots occur in the blood vessels of the eye and may cause blindness, double vision, or other vision problems. The risk of getting blood clots may be greater with the type of progestin in NuvaRing than with some other progestins in certain low-dose birth control pills. It is unknown if the risk of blood clots is different with NuvaRing use than with the use of certain birth control pills.

While NuvaRing is potentially 98-99.1% effective in preventing unwanted pregnancy, there are certain things you need to look out for. Consult with a doctor if you wish to start using it.